2001 evap core tube support

[mnky99]

Hello, this is related to my last post but new topic so figured I should make a new thread. Apologies if I should have placed in the old one.

My old evap core had a thin plastic plate with prongs that clips onto the edge of the evap core and would hold the longer tube on the core in place (stop if from wiggling around and stressing the joint into the core). Pic 1 and 3 show the plastic plate from profile and top down views.
My new evap core did not come with this part. I took off the old one, but it doesn't fit well on the new one as it's too thick (the gap between the core and the tube is thinner on the new core - pic 2 shows the thin distance betwen core and tube).
I don't want to just leave the tube unsupported, as the line it connects to in the engine bay could move and stress it - am I wrong about this? Either I do a lot of sanding and dremel work to tailor this plastic to fit the new core tube - or I was wondering if I can just put some JB Weld on there to keep the tube in place. Is that a bad idea? Is there any reason that this tube is not supported better straight from the factory? the connection of this tube into the core looks like a weak point prime to be damaged by any flex.

Also - this new evap core came from an online retailer that shipped it in a box with minimal padding. Is there a way to test to make sure it isnt damaged/leaking before I install it and hook my evap box and everything back up?

Thanks in advance - first time replacing my evap/heater core. Youtube and forums have gotten me pretty far, but there's some things like this I never considered until running into them.

 

[Noobz347]

You can politely reposition those tube to accommodate the holders.

If you need to do some re-bending, you can pick up a spring bender from a parts store. Something like this:

YiiSeeJo 5 Pcs Spring Tube Benders Set, Tube Bender Kit 1/4'', 3/8'', 1/2'', 5/8'', 5/16'' for Copper Aluminum Thin Wall Steel Tubing, 8.27" / 210mm Length - Amazon.com

YiiSeeJo 5 Pcs Spring Tube Benders Set, Tube Bender Kit 1/4'', 3/8'', 1/2'', 5/8'', 5/16'' for Copper Aluminum Thin Wall Steel Tubing, 8.27" / 210mm Length - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

My only issue with the JB weld thing might be how hard that stuff is. It won't budge like the aluminum will during heat cycles.

I might try dry-fitting it into position to make sure everything lines up before immobilizing that tube. A dab of two-part epoxy would do.

You can use some rubber hoses, compressed air, and a gauge, to pressure test. Watch your pressures.


And yeah... When you think about it: Make yourself a [Progress Thread] for your car. Keep everything in that thread. Folks will become familiar with what you have going on. It helps when they return to your thread. Take a look at some of the other [Progress Threads] to get a feel.

 

[mnky99]

You can politely reposition those tube to accommodate the holders.

If you need to do some re-bending, you can pick up a spring bender from a parts store. Something like this:

YiiSeeJo 5 Pcs Spring Tube Benders Set, Tube Bender Kit 1/4'', 3/8'', 1/2'', 5/8'', 5/16'' for Copper Aluminum Thin Wall Steel Tubing, 8.27" / 210mm Length - Amazon.com

YiiSeeJo 5 Pcs Spring Tube Benders Set, Tube Bender Kit 1/4'', 3/8'', 1/2'', 5/8'', 5/16'' for Copper Aluminum Thin Wall Steel Tubing, 8.27" / 210mm Length - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

My only issue with the JB weld thing might be how hard that stuff is. It won't budge like the aluminum will during heat cycles.

I might try dry-fitting it into position to make sure everything lines up before immobilizing that tube. A dab of two-part epoxy would do.

You can use some rubber hoses, compressed air, and a gauge, to pressure test. Watch your pressures.


And yeah... When you think about it: Make yourself a [Progress Thread] for your car. Keep everything in that thread. Folks will become familiar with what you have going on. It helps when they return to your thread. Take a look at some of the other [Progress Threads] to get a feel.

Thank you - thermal expansion is exactly what I was failing to think about, which explains why the manufacturer doesn't fix the tube in place with a spot weld or epoxy. I will play with the dremel on that plastic piece and see what I can come up with.
I did buy a vacuum pump but I've never used one before so I've got some figuring out to do.

Good idea about a progress thread. I will have more questions, so will try to start one. Thanks

 

[Noobz347]

Thank you - thermal expansion is exactly what I was failing to think about, which explains why the manufacturer doesn't fix the tube in place with a spot weld or epoxy. I will play with the dremel on that plastic piece and see what I can come up with.
I did buy a vacuum pump but I've never used one before so I've got some figuring out to do.

Good idea about a progress thread. I will have more questions, so will try to start one. Thanks

A few more posts and other things, you will be able to edit your thread title.


"SoinSo's Progress Thread - Enter whatever you're currently working on in this section"

 

[mnky99]

A few more posts and other things, you will be able to edit your thread title.


"SoinSo's Progress Thread - Enter whatever you're currently working on in this section"

Thanks, I have created a new thread which is one level up in the forum. I will use for all questions going forward, and have added some pictures and background information.
Any further help that you can provide is greatly appreciated. I've reached some stumbling blocks in my limited knowledge, and I'm very nervous about doing this project.